It’s a dangerous business, Frodo,
going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet,
there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.
J.R.R. Tolkien—LOTR
As exchange teachers from the United States we (Allison and I) were
fortunate to chaperone the year eleven
and twelve geography trip (10th and 11th grade) to the Tongariro National Park
this past weekend. Allison is a Bio teacher and of course you know I am a
Social Studies teacher. States such as ours Indiana and Iowa, don’t have the
same opportunity and resources with which Westlake has been privileged. It is
so wonderful and valuable that within four hours the students can be immersed
into an experience where they can apply what they are learning in the
classroom.
Where the lake and volcanos are (red dot)
Sunday: Day 1
Woke up bright and early Sunday morning packed, ate, and headed out the
door with Allison. It takes about 5 hours by bus to get to the park but on the
way we made a few stops along the way…
First stop - bathroom break in HOBBITON! I am not really into Lord of
the Rings but this who trip kind of highlighted some of the movie… in the city
of Matamata (renamed Hobbiton) They filmed the Shire. We didn’t get to go see
the farm but Allison and I did run over and take some pictures by a Hobbits
house and the sign.
The whole area we were in is by a lake called Lake Taupo - OH MY GOODNESS this lake is stunning!!!! I want to take Jeff back when he visits! The lake is actually a crater from a volcano but the water is so blue and there are surrounding volcanos and mountains - honestly I could stay there forever.
We then stopped at the Volcanic Activity Center at the park; here they
were able to learn about volcanic formation and activity within New Zealand.
The class even got to experience an earthquake simulation – super fun!
We also watched a film over the recent earthquakes in Christchurch.
Really interesting information - New Zealand was earlier part of the
super-continent of Gondwana (history/geo lesson time), along with South America,
Africa,
Madagascar,
India,
Antarctica
and Australia.
The rocks that now form New Zealand were nestled between Eastern Australia and Western
Antarctica. Because New Zealand straddles a plate boundary, it is
tectonically active. The East coast of the North Island is being compressed and
lifted by this collision, producing the North Island and Marlborough Fault Systems. The East Coast of the North Island
is also rotating clockwise, relative to Northland, Auckland
and Taranaki, stretching the Bay of Plenty,
and producing the Hauraki Rift (Hauraki Plains and Hauraki Gulf) and Taupo
Volcanic Zone (where I was this weekend). The East Coast of the
South Island is sliding diagonally towards the Alpine Fault, causing the
Southern Alps to rise about 10 mm/yr (although they are also worn down at a
similar rate). The Hauraki Plains, Hamilton, Bay of Plenty, Marlborough
Sounds, and Christchurch are sinking. The Marlborough Sounds (where my
favorite wine is from) are known for their sunken mountain ranges. As Wellington
rises, and Marlborough sinks, Cook Strait is being shifted further south. Sorry for the
geography language…back to non-teacher me…
We then stopped at Huka Falls for
lunch. WOW this is just a beautiful area! The water is so blue and the falls
are beautiful! It made me want to go rafting (but I would honestly die)! It was
a nice little walk around the falls. We then made our way to Park Travel Lodge.
It is a great place for backpackers and visitors in the park. Allison and I
were prepared to stay in a room with students but there was an extra room – yay
for us! We had a good dinner of Lamb and vegetables with some ice cream for
dessert! After dinner we chatted with some of the teachers and bus drivers
about America, NZ, and education in general. Great conversation and wonderful
company.
half of the group
Monday: Day 2
Today was the day! All of the students and teachers woke and had some
breakfast. The students had to measure some of the vegetation in the beginning
of our hike – in the Mangetepopo Valley so we were able to spend about 1 hour
with them before heading off! The students did more surveying of the land all
day while we were able to tramp around – how lucky are we?!
before we took off!
The Valley
The Tongariro Alpine Crossing is one of New Zealand's most spectacular “tramping tracks,” and is considered the most popular one-day
tramp in New Zealand. The Tongariro National Park has been acknowledged for
both its natural and cultural significance. The crossing passes over the
volcanic terrain of the multi-cratered active volcano Mt Tongariro,
passing the eastern base of Mt Ngauruhoe
(Mt. Doom in Lord of The Rings) which can be climbed as a side trip (no
thanks). The track used to be a 19.4-kilometer (12.1 mi) walk, but due to
the eruption on this past November, the track was change to 24.5-kilometer
(15.2 mi) track. The new track
still has the beautiful "moon like" volcanic landscape, unusual
geological features, visible volcanic activity (hissing/steam – super cool) and
views of the surrounding countryside below. The Crossing was amazing and it was
so great doing a hike with Allison. We were able to take breaks and admire the
view without any rush to get to the top. The hike was much different than those
in Colorado and out East – we basically climbed up volcanic rock the whole time
with some stairs “devils staircase” built into the volcano. It was a rough
“walk” up but heading back down was a breeze!
We had signed up for the 3:30
transport back to the lodge but since we had a nice long lunch we caught the 5
pm transport back. The van was so dusty and nasty I think my clothes will never
smell good again… we got back to the lodge ate some pasta and headed to a
needed good nights sleep.
the valley
oh we considered it.. and we went for it..
the crater
me and mt. doom
Mt. Doom loves IU!
Walking back
Did it!
Allison just chilling in the bushes - waiting to be picked up!
my tired body...
beautiful weeds called Heather
exhausted.
Tuesday: Day 3
After breakfast and cabin
inspection the girls loaded up their luggage into the bus we headed to a
popular ski resort in the winter months, a town called Ohakune. This ski resort
is on the side of Mt. Ruapehu (an active volcano). It is definitely the Kiwi
style to just ski on an active volcano – whatever happens, happens!
Overall the girls had 12 different sites to
measure ad survey. The aim of this part of trip (day 3 and day 2) was to investigate the
effect of altitude on climate, soil, and vegetation. The students set up
numerous quadrants within the Mangetepopo Valley as well as on two sides of Mt.
Ruapehu. Inside these sites the students tested and recorded information with
which they will be able to study the relationship between altitude and the
previously mentioned variables. This coming week the students will be reviewing
their recordings and research questions.
Woke up early to see the sunrise over Tongariro
The ski resort
Bit Chilly
selfies with a student :)
"Doing work"
We then took a walk in a climate where it looks exactly like a
rainforest (they had to survey here too). It was so beautiful and so lush. Some
of the girls were lagging and complaining so a teacher and I went around and
made them hug the trees – we said it would give them more energy. It was so funny seeing all the girls doing it
but it really did get them into a better mood. One said “instead of your
morning coffee – hug a tree.”
Before leaving the region the classes were also able to stop at the
Tangiwai Memorial – This disaster happened when the
Whangaehu River bridge collapsed beneath a Wellington to Auckland express train
at Tangiwai on the North Island. With 11 carriages carrying 285 passengers and
crew, 151 people died, making it the worst ever rail accident in New Zealand. The accident had been due to a lahar a mudflow from the Mt. Rupaehu
volcano — of an unforeseeable magnitude that had removed a bridge pier
minutes before the train started to cross. After the accident an early warning
system was installed. This lahar usually happens when there is an eruption and
people are on the look out after there is one.
The memorial is beautiful, there are even
some berries growing around it so it was a nice snack as well J
Then we left the park and headed back to
Westlake – imagine riding back in a bus with 40 giggly girls… no sleep for
Cassie.
I am so fortunate that I am able to go on
these types of field trips. After multiple bus stops, bathroom breaks, and tree
hugging the students were able to apply their classroom knowledge to make
conclusions regarding altitudinal zones. I am so grateful to be a part of these
classes and learn more about New Zealand’s geography. The students and teachers
were so kind and willing to share their knowledge and allow me to work
alongside them. Even more exciting news – I get to chaperone about 3 or 4 more
field trips!!! They are mostly just 1 day trips but it’s exciting!! I think the
Zoo is next J
Miss you all back home. Hopefully I will get to catch up soon. I am
planning on spending my Easter Holiday (we have Friday through Tuesday off) at
the Bay of Islands with Brittany and whoever decides to join. Three hours North
of Auckland – beaches, dolphins, water, bars, and a good time are calling my
name! I leave Friday morning but hopefully will have some Internet at my
hostel! I will try to keep you updated! Sorry for such the long post! If I
don’t write till next week – HAPPY EASTER!
Ps. I was asked to do a video blog for the school – once I get started I
will share the link!
